More than 800 delegates from the Air Transport and Rail Divisions of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) gathered in Las Vegas for the 2025 IAM Transportation Conference. The biennial event focused on adapting to changes in the transportation industry, with an emphasis on strengthening jobs, protecting workers’ rights, and developing future union leaders.
The conference was organized under the theme “Building a Better Tomorrow.” According to organizers, significant effort went into planning and coordinating the event to ensure engagement among members. Delegates included both experienced union members and younger workers, reflecting a range of perspectives within IAM.
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen highlighted recent contract achievements: “Those are our contracts, those are IAM contracts,” said Johnsen. “We keep delivering and delivering, but there is much more to do. The FAA Authorization bill [passed by Congress and signed into law in 2024] deserves polite applause for getting done, but it means nothing if they are not implementing what we got them to put in that bill. That’s why we’re ready to keep fighting.”
Johnsen noted that top-of-scale Southwest customer service agents and American Airlines ramp workers will reach $40 an hour this year, while top-of-scale aircraft mechanics at American Airlines will earn over $70 an hour.
Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff for IAM Air Transportation Territory, spoke about mentorship: “I’ve seen plenty of examples of progress being lost because there was no plan, no leaders, and no mentoring of the next generation. That is why mentorship is so important to GVP Johnsen and me, because you want the tide to keep rising in our favor. If we fail to plan, then our plan is to fail and failure is not an option,” he said.
Fraser credited mentors such as Dora Cervantes for shaping his career at IAM. He explained that including a young workers committee at this year’s conference aimed to give future leaders exposure to organizing such events.
Member Education booths were present at the conference offering information about union benefits. Delegate Sarah Garcia from Houston Local 811 commented on her experience: “It’s great to hear what the leaders had to say about the direction they want to take the union in and the changes they want to put in place to make sure the union is ready for the issues we may be facing in the future,” said Garcia. “I’m just excited to see the work being put in and what will come of it.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed attendees: “This union is stronger because of your commitment. ‘Building a Better Tomorrow’ is not just a slogan; it’s truly our mission,” he said. “For our members, families, and the industries we work in daily. Please take that message back to your shops.”
General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes reflected on her long-standing connection with IAM: “I can tell you, with all the pride in my backbone, that I was raised right. My father stressed union with all his children. My brother, three sisters, a cousin, one niece, and one nephew all IAM members,” Cervantes said. “And I will always be a loyal member, and I will be a loud yelling, loud thumping, fighting Machinists forever.”
Delegates participated in breakout sessions designed for feedback from various trades within IAM.
The Rail Division was represented by District 19 and TCU/IAM delegates who reported working alongside eight other unions on new Amtrak contracts resulting in historic wage increases—34.1% compounded general wage increases over their agreement’s duration.
Josh Hartford from District 19 stated: “Together District 19 and TCU have an opportunity. An opportunity to demand that we bring change to our workplaces fundamentally improve our members’ lives and grow and organize,” he said.“Not just gain new members but reignite passion… No one will do it for us so we must do it ourselves.”
Tom Regan reported ongoing negotiations covering more than 28,000 United Airlines employees whose agreement became amendable May 2025; efforts continue toward setting industry-leading pay/benefits.
With Alaska Airlines merging with Hawaiian Airlines negotiations aim at joint agreements covering over 7 000 workers; current talks also include United Ground Express (6 100 employees). In July 2025 tentative agreement reached with McGee Air Services (3 000 employees), pending ratification August.
The IAM represents three out of five leading collective bargaining agreements among airlines.
Regan added: “After 41 years I want make sure I give back this union… Remember this – either you stand up fight or sit down be quiet… We choose stand up fight if you continue do that you lead industry”.
The Air Transport Territory remains largest segment within IAM membership base which totals more than 600 000 active/retired individuals across North America.
Districts 141/142 represent many airline employees including those at American Airlines United Southwest Alaska Hawaiian Airlines.
